Political Leaders On the Verge--Cheryle Jackson

As the current president of the Chicago Urban League, Jackson has worked to revitalize the city’s schools and neighborhoods through economic development programs. Now she’s ready to hit the national stage by running for the Illinois U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama and currently occupied by Senator Roland Burris. Jackson, who once served as the top aide to former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and counts President Obama as a friend, says she’s running to bring a different perspective to government.

“There is no plan in the federal, state or local level to develop economic opportunities in communities where few have existed before in Illinois,” says Jackson.